EU Naval Mission Warns Saudi-, US- and Israel-Linked Ships to Avoid Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read
BRUSSELS, July 22, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — The European Union’s naval mission ASPIDES has advised vessels linked to Saudi Arabia, the United States or Israel to avoid transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden near Yemen.
The warning followed a declaration by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia that it would impose a blockade on Saudi shipping passing through Bab el-Mandeb, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
ASPIDES assessed the threat level for vessels and shipping companies associated with Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States as “high.”
“This includes vessels of any nationality that have recently called at, loaded cargo in, or discharged cargo at Saudi Arabian ports, as such vessels may be perceived as associated with Saudi interests and could therefore be considered potential targets,” the mission said on Wednesday.
ASPIDES recommended that vessels which had recently called at Saudi ports reduce their electronic footprint by minimising tracking and identification transmissions.
The Houthis have so far not demonstrated that they can enforce the declared blockade. However, the threat has already prompted some vessels to abandon plans to leave the Red Sea through its southern exit.
An effective blockade of Bab el-Mandeb could open another front in the regional conflict, potentially requiring US military intervention while Washington is also supporting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Disruption at Bab el-Mandeb could also affect Saudi diesel shipments to Europe and place further pressure on international energy markets and global supply chains.
